Tracking locally broadcast electronic works

ABSTRACT

A second player detects a first player locally broadcasting an electronic work. The second player accepts a distribution cookie from the first player at the second player with the broadcast of the electronic work. The second player updates the distribution cookie with tracking information about the broadcast of the electronic work to the second player. The second player updates the distribution cookie with a plurality of electronic work ratings of a plurality of electronic works by a recipient at the second player. The second player, responsive to detecting a network connection provides the distribution cookie to a tracking server enabled to analyze the distribution cookie.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of commonly assigned U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 12/057,248, filed Mar. 26, 2008, which is acontinuation of U.S. Pat. No. 7,519,322, issued 2008 Jul. 24, filed Dec.4, 2003, which are hereby incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Technical Field

The present invention relates in general to improved broadcastingsystems and in particular to an improved tracking system for locallybroadcast electronic works. Still more particularly, the presentinvention relates to tracking the distribution of an electronic work todetermine favorable markets for the electronic work and offer incentivesfor purchase of the electronic work to those who received thedistribution of the electronic work and those who distributed theelectronic work.

2. Description of the Related Art

Technological advancements in portable computer systems enable displayand audio output of copyrightable works in an electronic form. Theseelectronic works include, but are not limited to, music, film, video,and books. The technological advances, for example, continue to expandthe types of electronic devices that play music and video. Further,technological advances are providing new ways of encapsulating music andvideo and new ways of distributing music and video.

In particular, one of the advances in devices that play electronic worksis in portable electronic devices that play music from MPEG-1 Layer 3(MP3) and other types of electronic compression file formats. MP3 filesare typically small in memory size and thus are ideal for storage andplay on portable electronic devices. Further, MP3 and other types ofelectronic formats of licensed works are often easily transferable fromone device to another via a wire or wireless network. Further, musicfiles may be streamed from one portable device to another creating atype of ad-hoc radio system.

As sharing of electronic works between users proliferates, users oftenreceive copies of electronic works without the proper licenses. In somecases, recipients do not intended to acquire proper licensing. In othercases, however, recipients acquire copies of electronic works to samplethe works and decide if they would like to purchase the work. Thus, itwould be advantageous to provide recipients of a broadcast copy of anelectronic work with an incentive to purchase proper licensing to theelectronic work.

Further, while persuading consumers to purchase properly licensed copiesof electronic works is an important goal, also important is selectingmarkets to promote the author or musician of an electronic work. Whencopies of electronic works are downloaded from a web site, the number ofdownloads of the electronic work can be monitored and target markets forpromotion of an electronic work may be determined based on the locationsof those downloading the electronic work. When an electronic work islocally broadcast from one player to another, however, currently thereis no monitoring tool to determine the target market in which anelectronic work is considered “hot”. For example, if one persondownloads a new song and wirelessly broadcasts that song to ten otherplayers that store a copy of the song who then each wirelessly broadcastthat song to ten other players and so forth, there is currently nomethod to monitor that a song has become “hot” in a particular market.Therefore, it would be advantageous to monitor when an electronic workis broadcast and track the location of a broadcast, the time of thebroadcast, the recipient's rating of the broadcast electronic work, therecipient's ratings of others' reviews of the broadcast electronic work,and other information which is then accessed by a statistical serverwhen a player is connected to the Internet. Further, it would beadvantageous to monitor the distribution path of an electronic work soas to compensate users who essentially promote an electronic workthrough local broadcasts of the electronic work to other players andwell followed reviews of the electronic work

It is therefore apparent that there is a need to attach a trackingmechanism to an electronic work, and in particular a locally broadcastelectronic work, such that recipients of the electronic work can betracked, incentives can be offered to the recipients to purchase theelectronic work, incentives can be offered to those distributing theelectronic work, and statistics about local broadcasts of electronicworks may be gathered for promotional purposes.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In view of the foregoing, one embodiment of the invention providesimproved broadcasting systems. In particular, one embodiment of theinvention provides an improved tracking system for locally broadcastelectronic works. Further, the present invention provides a method,system and program for tracking the distribution of an electronic work.

In one embodiment, a method for tracking distribution of an electronicwork includes detecting a localized broadcast of an electronic work froma first player to a second player. The method includes accepting adistribution cookie from the first player at the second player with thebroadcast of the electronic work. The method includes updating thedistribution cookie with tracking information about the broadcast of theelectronic work to the second player. The method includes updating thedistribution cookie with a plurality of electronic work ratings of aplurality of electronic works by a recipient at the second player. Themethod includes, responsive to detecting a network connection providingthe distribution cookie to a tracking server, such that localizedbroadcast distribution of the electronic work is tracked throughgathering and analyzing the distribution cookie at the tracking server.

In another embodiment, a method for tracking distribution of anelectronic work includes detecting a localized broadcast of anelectronic work from a first player to a second player. The methodincludes accepting a distribution cookie from the first player at thesecond player with the broadcast of the electronic work. The methodincludes updating the distribution cookie with tracking informationabout the broadcast of the electronic work to the second player. Themethod includes, responsive to detecting a network connection, providingthe distribution cookie to a tracking server, wherein the trackingserver is enabled to gather and analyze the distribution cookie todetermine at least one from among a rate of distribution of theelectronic work, a marketing area in which the electronic work isfavorably received, a purchase rate and history of the electronic work,a current rating response to the electronic work and a current ratingresponse to at least one comment about the electronic work, such thatlocalized broadcast distribution of the electronic work is trackedthrough gathering and analyzing the distribution cookie at the trackingserver.

In another embodiment, a system for tracking distribution of anelectronic work includes a second player detecting a first playerlocally broadcasting an electronic work. The system includes the secondplayer operative to accept a distribution cookie from the first playerat the second player with the broadcast of the electronic work. Thesystem includes the second player operative to update the distributioncookie with tracking information about the broadcast of the electronicwork to the second player. The system includes the second playeroperative to update the distribution cookie with a plurality ofelectronic work ratings of a plurality of electronic works by arecipient at the second player. The system includes the second player,responsive to detecting a network connection, operative to provide thedistribution cookie to a tracking server enabled to analyze thedistribution cookie.

In another embodiment, a system for tracking distribution of anelectronic work includes a second player detecting a first playerlocally broadcasting an electronic work. The system includes the secondplayer operative to accept a distribution cookie from the first playerat the second player with the broadcast of the electronic work. Thesystem includes the second player operative to update the distributioncookie with tracking information about the broadcast of the electronicwork to the second player. The system includes the second player,responsive to detecting a network connection, operative to provide thedistribution cookie to a tracking server enabled to analyze thedistribution cookie to determine at least one from among a rate ofdistribution of the electronic work, a marketing area in which theelectronic work is favorably received, a purchase rate and history ofthe electronic work, a current rating response to the electronic work,and a current rating response to at least one comment about theelectronic work.

In another embodiment, a computer program product for trackingdistribution of an electronic work includes a tangible computer readablestorage device. The computer program product includes first programinstructions to detect a localized broadcast of an electronic work froma first player to a second player. The computer program product includessecond program instructions to accept a distribution cookie from thefirst player at the second player with the broadcast of the electronicwork. The computer program product includes third program instructionsto update the distribution cookie with tracking information about thebroadcast of the electronic work to the second player. The computerprogram product includes fourth program instructions to update thedistribution cookie with a plurality of electronic work ratings of aplurality of electronic works by a recipient at the second player. Thecomputer program product includes fifth program instructions to providethe distribution cookie to a tracking server responsive to detecting anetwork connection wherein the first second third fourth and fifthprogram instruction are stored on the computer readable storage media.

In another embodiment, a computer program product for trackingdistribution of an electronic work includes a tangible computer readablestorage device. The computer prom product includes first programinstructions to detect a localized broadcast of an electronic work froma first player to a second player. The computer program product includessecond prom instructions to accept a distribution cookie from the firstplayer at the second player with the broadcast of the electronic work.The computer program product includes third prom instructions to updatethe distribution cookie with tracking information about the broadcast ofthe electronic work to the second player. The computer program productincludes fourth prom instructions to provide the distribution cookie toa tracking server, responsive to detecting a network connection, whereinthe tracking server is enabled to gather and analyze the distributioncookie to determine at least one from among a rate of distribution ofthe electronic work, a marketing area in which the electronic work isfavorably received, a purchase rate and history of the electronic work,a current rating response to the electronic work and a current ratingresponse to at least one comment about the electronic work, wherein thefirst, second, third, and fourth program instruction are stored on thecomputer readable storage media.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The novel features believed characteristic of the invention are setforth in the appended claims. The invention itself however, as well as apreferred mode of use, further objects and advantages thereof, will bestbe understood by reference to the following detailed description of anillustrative embodiment when read in conjunction with the accompanyingdrawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a block diagram depicting a computing system in which thepresent method, system, and program may be implemented;

FIG. 2 is a block diagram depicting a distributed network system forfacilitating an electronic work licensing, distribution, and trackingsystem in accordance with the method, system, and program of the presentinvention;

FIG. 3 is a block diagram depicting a wireless network broadcast inaccordance with the method, system, and program of the presentinvention;

FIG. 4 is a block diagram depicting a music player in accordance withthe method, system, and program of the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a block diagram depicting the wireless communication between aprimary player broadcasting music and the secondary player receivingmusic in accordance with the method, system, and program of the presentinvention;

FIG. 6 is a block diagram depicting a sample song stored in a musicplayer in accordance with the method, system, and program of the presentinvention;

FIG. 7 is a block diagram of the components of a licensed electronicwork distribution server in accordance with the method, system, andprogram of the present invention;

FIG. 8 is a block diagram of a statistics server in accordance with themethod, system, and program of the present invention;

FIGS. 9A-9D are illustrative representations of display choicespresented to a user of a player enabled to receive, store, and broadcastelectronic works in accordance with the method, system, and program ofthe present invention;

FIG. 10 is an illustrative diagram of the distribution of an electronicwork in accordance with the method, system, and program of the presentinvention;

FIG. 11 is a high level logic flowchart of a process and program forcontrolling a wireless broadcast of an electronic work from a primaryplayer in accordance with the method, system, and program of the presentinvention;

FIG. 12 is a high level logic flowchart of a process and program forcontrolling receipt of a broadcast electronic work at a secondary playerin accordance with the method, system, and program of the presentinvention;

FIG. 13 is a high level logic flowchart of a process and program forupdating and transmitting a distribution cookie in accordance with themethod, system, and program of the present invention; and

FIG. 14 is a high level logic flowchart of a process and program forcontrolling a statistics server in accordance with the method, system,and program of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Referring now to the drawings and in particular to FIG. 1, there isdepicted one embodiment of a computing system in which the presentmethod, system, and program may be implemented. The present inventionmay be executed in a variety of systems, including a variety ofcomputing systems and electronic devices under a number of differentoperating systems. In general, the present invention is executed in acomputer system or electronic device that performs computing tasks suchas manipulating data in storage that is accessible to the computersystem or electronic device. In addition, the computer system includesat least one output device and at least one input device.

Computer system 100 includes a bus 122 or other communication device forcommunicating information within computer system 100, and at least oneprocessing device such as processor 112, coupled to bus 122 forprocessing information. Bus 122 preferably includes low-latency andhigher latency paths that are connected by bridges and adapters andcontrolled within computer system 100 by multiple bus controllers. Whenimplemented as a server system, computer system 100 typically includesmultiple processors designed to improve network servicing power.

Processor 112 may be a general-purpose processor such as IBM's PowerPC™processor that, during normal operation, processes data under thecontrol of operating system and application software accessible from adynamic storage device such as random access memory (RAM) 114 and astatic storage device such as Read Only Memory (ROM) 116. The operatingsystem preferably provides a graphical user interface (GUI) to the user.In a preferred embodiment, application software contains machineexecutable instructions that when executed on processor 112 carry outthe operations depicted in the flowcharts of FIGS. 11, 12, 13, 14, andothers described herein. Alternatively, the steps of the presentinvention might be performed by specific hardware components thatcontain hardwired logic for performing the steps, or by any combinationof programmed computer components and custom hardware components.

The present invention may be provided as a computer program product,included on a machine-readable medium having stored thereon the machineexecutable instructions used to program computer system 100 to perform aprocess according to the present invention. The term “machine-readablemedium” as used herein includes any medium that participates inproviding instructions to processor 112 or other components of computersystem 100 for execution. Such a medium may take many forms including,but not limited to, non-volatile media, volatile media, and transmissionmedia. Common forms of non-volatile media include, for example, a floppydisk, a flexible disk, a hard disk, magnetic tape or any other magneticmedium, a compact disc ROM (CD-ROM) or any other optical medium, punchcards or any other physical medium with patterns of holes, aprogrammable ROM (PROM), an erasable PROM (EPROM), electrically EPROM(EEPROM), a flash memory, any other memory chip or cartridge, or anyother medium from which computer system 100 can read and which issuitable for storing instructions. In the present embodiment, an exampleof a non-volatile medium is mass storage device 118 which as depicted isan internal component of computer system 100, but will be understood toalso be provided by an external device. Volatile media include dynamicmemory such as RAM 114. Transmission media include coaxial cables,copper wire or fiber optics, including the wires that comprise bus 122.Transmission media can also take the form of acoustic or light waves,such as those generated during radio frequency or infrared datacommunications.

Moreover, the present invention may be downloaded as a computer programproduct, wherein the program instructions may be transferred from aremote computer such as a server 140 to requesting computer system 100by way of data signals embodied in a carrier wave or other propagationmedium via a network link 134 (e.g. a modem or network connection) to acommunications interface 132 coupled to bus 122. Communicationsinterface 132 provides a two-way data communications coupling to networklink 134 that may be connected, for example, to a local area network(LAN), wide area network (WAN), or an Internet Service Provider (ISP)that provide access to network 102. In particular, network link 134 mayprovide wired and/or wireless network communications to one or morenetworks, such as network 102.

Network 102 may refer to the worldwide collection of networks andgateways that use a particular protocol, such as Transmission ControlProtocol (TCP) and Internet Protocol (IP), to communicate with oneanother. Network 102 uses electrical, electromagnetic, or opticalsignals that carry digital data streams. The signals through the variousnetworks and the signals on network link 134 and through communicationinterface 132, which carry the digital data to and from computer system100, are exemplary forms of carrier waves transporting the information.

When implemented as a server system, computer system 100 typicallyincludes multiple communication interfaces accessible via multipleperipheral component interconnect (PCI) bus bridges connected to aninput/output controller. In this manner, computer system 100 allowsconnections to multiple network computers.

Further, multiple peripheral components may be added to computer system100, connected to multiple controllers, adapters, and expansion slotscoupled to one of the multiple levels of bus 122. When implemented as aportable player, for example, a wireless transceiver 129 may beconnectively enabled on bus 122 for controlling wireless transmissions.Wireless transceiver 129 constantly listens to a pre-programmed publicchannel for new, remote parties and sends and receives data and messageson the public channel. Wireless transceiver 129 may be implemented byany short-range radio technology, such as, but not limited to,Bluetooth, 802.11, or Digital Enhanced Cordless Telecommunications(DECT). An audio output 128 is connectively enabled on bus 122 forcontrolling audio output through a speaker, headphones, or other audioprojection device. A display 124 is also connectively enabled on bus 122for providing visual, tactile or other graphical representation formats.A keyboard 126 and cursor control device 130, such as a mouse,trackball, or cursor direction keys, are connectively enabled on bus 122as interfaces for user inputs to computer system 100. In alternateembodiments of the present invention, additional input and outputperipheral components may be added.

Those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the hardwaredepicted in FIG. 1 may vary. Furthermore, those of ordinary skill in theart will appreciate that the depicted example is not meant to implyarchitectural limitations with respect to the present invention.

The functionality of computer system 100 may be implemented in dataprocessing systems from servers to portable players. Portable playersmay be computer systems that are tailored to efficiently receive, storeand playback electronic works. Examples of portable players include, butare not limited to, MP3 players, portable DVD players, electronic book(ebook) play devices, and other devices specified for playback of aparticular type of electronic work. Portable players may also beincorporated into other types of portable computer systems, such aswireless telephones and personal digital assistants.

With reference now to FIG. 2, a block diagram depicts a distributednetwork system for facilitating an electronic work licensing,distribution, and tracking system in accordance with the method, system,and program of the present invention. Distributed system 200 is anetwork of computers in which the present invention may be implemented.Distributed system 200 contains a network 102, which is the medium usedto provide communications links between various devices and computersconnected together within distributed system 200. Network 102 mayinclude permanent connections such as wire or fiber optics cables,temporary connections made through telephone connections, and wirelesstransmission connections.

The client/server environment of distributed system 200 includesmultiple client players 208 and 210 communicatively connected to network102. In addition, there are multiple servers, such as digital DJ server204 and licensed electronic work distribution server 206 communicativelyconnected to network 102.

The client/server environment of distributed system 200 is implementedwithin many network architectures. For example, the architecture of theWorld Wide Web (the Web) follows a traditional client/server modelenvironment. The terms “client” and “server” are used to refer to acomputer's general role as a requester of data (the client) or providerof data (the server). In the Web environment, web browsers such asNetscape Navigator™ typically reside on client players 208 and 210 andrender Web documents (pages) served by a web server, such as servers204, 205, and 206. Additionally, each of client players 208 and 210 andservers 204, 205, and 206 may function as both a “client” and a “server”and may be implemented utilizing a computer system such as computersystem 100 of FIG. 1. Further, the present invention is also implementedby client players 208 and 210 engaged in peer-to-peer networkcommunications and downloading via network 102.

The Web may refer to the total set of interlinked hypertext documentsresiding on servers all around the world. Network 102, such as theInternet, provides an infrastructure for transmitting these hypertextdocuments between systems connected to network 102. Documents (pages) onthe Web may be written in multiple languages, such as Hypertext MarkupLanguage (HTML) or Extensible Markup Language (XML), and identified byUniform Resource Locators (URLs) that specify the particular web pageserver from among servers, such as server 205, and pathname by which afile can be accessed, and then transmitted from the particular web pageserver to an end user utilizing a protocol such as Hypertext TransferProtocol (HTTP) or file-transfer protocol (FTP). Web pages may furtherinclude text, graphic images, movie files, electronic books, soundfiles, and streaming audio, as well as Java applets and other smallembedded software programs that execute when the user activates them byclicking on a link.

While network 102 is described with reference to the Internet, network102 may also operate within an intranet or other available networks,including peer to peer networks. Furthermore, client players 208 and 210may connect to network 102 through a data processing system acting as aport for transferring information between servers accessible throughnetwork 102 and client players 208 and 210. Additionally, preferably,client players 208 and 210 may communicate within a local wirelessnetwork, as will be further described in FIG. 3. This local wirelessnetwork is typically considered “ad-hoc” because it is created whenclient players 208 and 210 are within wireless broadcast range of oneanother.

Client players 208 and 210 are computer systems enabled to receive,play, and store electronic works from one another through local wirelessbroadcasts. In particular, the DRM rules attached to an electronic workreceived at each of client players 208 and 210 may control the play andstorage of the electronic work. The DRM rules may require a recipient tofirst agree to receive a distribution cookie before client player 208 or210 can playback or store the electronic work. The distribution cookiepreferably tracks the distribution of an electronic work and therecipient's responses to the electronic work. Client players 208 and 210are required to update the distribution cookie according to the datavalues specified in the DRM rules. Then, when either of client players208 or 210 connects to network 102, the DRM rules trigger the players tocontact a particular location accessible via network 102, such that thenetwork location is enabled to access the distribution cookie. In theexample, distribution cookies are accessed by statistics server 220,however in alternate embodiments, other locations accessible fromnetwork 102 may be triggered to access distribution cookies.

Further, as described, client players 208 and 210 are portable andenabled to receive and send wireless transmissions within a localwireless network range. In alternate embodiments, however, either ofclient players 208 and 210 may be considered stationary.

Multiple ranges of wireless transmission capability may be implementedwithin a single client player. For example, Bluetooth, which is a shortrange wireless technology and 802.11, which is a mid-range wirelesstechnology, may be implemented within a single client player to enablemultiple ranges of wireless transmissions. In particular, the DRM rulesattached to an electronic work may specify the preferred reception andtransmission ranges for broadcast of an electronic work and the DRMrules may limit the type of network available for broadcast of anelectronic work. For example, DRM rules may specify that electronicworks are transmittable by cable only, by Bluetooth only, or by a peerto peer network allowing a set number of concurrent connections. It isimportant to note that while the present invention is described withemphasis upon wirelessly broadcast electronic works, electronic worksmay also be locally broadcast via a cabled network connection fromclient player 208 and client player 210. A local broadcast is one thatis accessible to players located within a particular physical area ornetwork area.

Digital DJ server 204 provides a service for selecting electronic worksfor play between client players 208 and 210. Digital DJ server 204 maytrack the previous ratings of electronic works made by recipients atclient players 208 and 210. According to one embodiment, digital DJ 204may access distribution cookies to track the previous ratings ofelectronic works. Further, digital DJ 204 may access the statisticalanalysis of distribution cookies from statistics server 220 to determinewhich electronic work to play next from the electronic works currentlyconsidered “hot” based on their rates of distribution in a particulararea. Then, digital DJ server 204 may determine which electronic work toplay next from the electronic works that currently reside on clientplayer 208 or 210. Alternatively, digital DJ server 204 may determinewhich electronic work to play next from electronic works currentlyresiding at digital DJ server 204. The functionality of digital DJserver 204 may also reside within client players 208 and 210.

Licensed electronic work distribution server 206 provides a service forselling electronic works with licenses in the form of attached DRMrules. Further, licensed electronic work distribution server 206provides a service for tracking licenses and use of licensed electronicworks. A user may be required to register an identity or make a paymentto acquire an electronic work and license or just the license to analready stored electronic work. According to one embodiment, a user maybe provided an incentive to register an identity with the purchase of anelectronic work because the user's distribution of the electronic workwill be tracked and the user will be given coupons or rebates forsubsequent purchases. The type of coupons and rebates received by theuser may be adjusted based on how many purchases are made by thosereceiving the broadcast of the electronic work from the user. Where auser samples an incomplete version of an electronic work from a wirelessbroadcast, the DRM rules may include a link to licensed electronic workdistribution server 206 to acquire a complete version of the electronicwork.

Licenses are preferably attached to electronic works in the form of DRMrules. These DRM rules may allow a user who has purchased an electronicwork to wirelessly transmit a sample of that electronic work to otherelectronic devices. For example, a song purchased by the user of clientplayer 208 may include DRM rules that allow for broadcast of the song toclient player 210. Additionally, the DRM rules preferably limit theallowed usage of the sample of electronic work and are thus transmittedwith the broadcast of the electronic work. Where, however, DRM rules orother licensing rules are not attached to an electronic work received atclient player 208 or 210, the client player may initiate a request foracquiring licensing to the electronic work with licensed electronic workdistribution server 206 before the electronic work can be played.

In addition to transferring DRM rules with each electronic work, otherinformation is transferred. In particular, a distribution cookie isattached to each electronic work as a tracking mechanism. Table 1illustrates examples of the types of entries that may be included in adistribution cookie. Preferably, the distribution cookie initiallyincludes the name of the distributor, an identifier for the purchase,and an identifier for the purchaser of the electronic work from alicensed distributor. As the electronic work is broadcast from player toplayer, each player receives a copy of the distribution cookie which isthen updated with an identifier for the recipient, the broadcast time,the broadcast location, any rating responses, and any purchase history.The location of the recipient may be detected, for example, by a GPSfunction of the player or area code of telephone recipient at theplayer. Further, the location of the recipient may be detected byprompting the recipient to enter a zip code location in order to playthe broadcast electronic work at the player.

TABLE 1 Electronic work ID 200000001 Distributor www.distributor1.comPurchase ID 01010101 Purchaser ID George Smith Counter 1 Broadcastrecipient Donald Smith Broadcast time 10/24/04; 10:10:30 Broadcastlocation Austin, Texas Rating 3 of 10 Rating of comment 2 1 of 10Counter 2 Broadcast recipient Susan Smith Broadcast time 10/24/04;15:10:30 Broadcast location Austin, Texas Purchase locationwww.musicseller1.com Purchase history Oct. 24, 2004 Counter 3

When client player 208 or 210, having received a broadcast of anelectronic work with a distribution cookie from another player, connectsto network 102, a statistics server 220 preferably gathers thedistribution cookie from the player. Statistics server 220 may be asingle server system that tracks all electronic work statistics anddistributes these statistics. Alternatively, each distributor mayestablish a statistics server 220 or other server location at whichdistribution cookies are gathered when players are connected to thenetwork 102 or another network.

As will be further described with reference to FIG. 8, statistics server220 preferably includes multiple databases and controllers enabled tostore and analyze information retrieved from distribution cookies. Inaddition to gathering the distribution rates and locations of electronicworks, statistics server 220 may also gather the rating each recipientgave to an electronic work and the rating each recipient gave to reviewcomments attached to an electronic work. It will be understood that anyresponse a recipient of an electronic work has to the electronic workmay be recorded in the distribution cookie for the electronic work.

It is important to note that while distribution cookies are described aspassing from one device to another and passing to servers, it isunderstood that a copy of the distribution cookie file located at oneplayer may be passed to another player or server. Additionally, it willbe understood that while a traditional cookie is merely a data filereadable by a server, distribution cookies may include a triggeringdevice that initiates communication with the server when a networkconnection is detected. Alternatively, client player 208 or 210 mayautomatically trigger communication with a network location specified ina distribution cookie when a network connection is detected.

As illustrated in Table 2, information gathered from distributioncookies is organized in a database structure. Table 2 illustrates anexample of information for several of the distribution cookies returnedfrom the distribution of electronic work “20000001”. It will beunderstood that alternate types of identifiers may be used for anelectronic work. In the example, two distribution cookies are loggedfrom region A and one distribution cookie is logged from region B. Thedistribution rate logged from each distribution cookie is based on thenumber of times the electronic work was distributed from an initialplayer to the player returning the cookie when the player returning thecookie received the electronic work. It will be understood that othervalues may be logged to indicate a distribution rate. For example, thedistribution rate may be broken down into times of day of broadcasts andthe type of network connection used for each broadcast.

Advantageously, based on the distribution rate, statistics server 220may designate a particular electronic work as “hot” in a particularregion or “cold” in a particular region. For example, statistics server220 may assign a hot rating that indicates the increase in activity forthe electronic work in a particular region based on the informationgathered for the distribution cookie. In the example, the hot rating isa positive or negative number based on the speed of distribution withina region. In alternate embodiments, other types of hot rating systemsmay be implemented to indicate which electronic works are quickly beingdistributed in a particular region. Further, in alternate embodiments,the hot rating may be based on both the distribution rate and the actualrating given to the electronic work by each of the recipients.Additionally, in alternate embodiments, in addition to indicatingwhether a particular electronic work is hot or not in a particularregion, it may be determined that the time or point of distribution was“off” because the work was poorly received at a first time or point ofdistribution and later well received by the same recipients at secondtime or location. Moreover, while in the present invention a serversystem accesses distribution cookies via network 102 and performsanalysis that is then distributed to other system, in an alternateembodiment, one of client players 208 or 210 may access distributioncookies and perform analysis that is then used to select the nextelectronic work to play.

TABLE 2 Work Region Distribution Rate Hot Rating 20000001 A 30 in 10minutes +5 20000001 A  5 in 30 minutes +1 20000001 B  1 in 40 minutes −1

Table 3 depicts an example of analysis of several distribution cookiesdesignating the identifier for the original player of an electronic workand the purchases associated with the distribution. Advantageously, thedistribution cookie tracks any purchases made of the broadcastelectronic work. The distribution cookie then indicates the originalpurchaser identifier, the new purchaser identifier, the purchase date,the number of times the work was distributed before it reached thepurchaser, and other important information about the purchase. Based onthis distribution information, an original purchaser may receive arebate or other incentive to reward the original purchaser fordistributing the electronic work to others who then purchased theelectronic work.

TABLE 3 Work Orig. ID Purchaser ID Purchase Date Dist Path 20000001George Smith Susan Smith Oct. 24, 2004 3 20000001 George Smith SallyJames Oct. 30, 2004 20 20000001 George Smith Tim Jones Nov. 18, 2004 2

Table 4 illustrates an example of analysis of ratings of reviewercomments made by recipients of a broadcast electronic work. Preferably,in addition to broadcasting the electronic work, reviewer comments aboutthe electronic work may be transferred. Reviewer comments may includecomments by independent reviewers attached at the purchase of theelectronic work and comments made by recipients of the electronic workas it is broadcast from one player to another. Preferably, recipients ofthe electronic work are enabled to view or listen to the reviewercomments and may rate the comments. Thus, Table 4 shows the combinedratings for a particular reviewer of a particular work by recipients ofthe broadcast of the electronic work. A hot rating for the particularreviewer may be assigned by statistics server 220 dependent upon theratings provided by recipients of the broadcast of the electronic work.The hot rating represents a reviewer recommendation depth which equalsthe number of positive reviews in a distribution chain over a particularperiod of time. Licensed electronic work distribution server 206, forexample, may use the reviewer hot rating to decide to attach reviewcomments by a reviewer with a good hot rating to new purchases of anelectronic work and decide to detach review comments by a reviewer witha poor hot rating from new purchases of an electronic work.

TABLE 4 Work Recipient ID Reviewer ID Rating Hot Rating 2000000103030303 0423 1 star −2 20000001 05050505 0423 5 star 3

In an example of the analysis of distribution cookies and response tothe analysis, first a distributor receives a copy of a new song with DRMrules allowing full time or temporary wireless broadcast of the song.The first distributor may optionally review the work, where the reviewis added to the distribution cookie for the song with an identifier forthe user. Further, a rating of the first distributor's previous reviewsmay be added to the distribution cookie with the current review of thenew song. The first distributor wirelessly broadcasts the new song toother known top distributors who subsequently wirelessly broadcast thenew song to others. With each distribution of the song, identifiers forthe sender and the recipient are preferably updated in the distributioncookie also distributed with the new song. Further, with eachdistribution of the song, recipients preferably rate the song and ratethe review written by the first distributor and other recipients. Whendistribution cookies are gathered for the new song, then the markets inwhich the song was quickly distributed and highly rated can bedetermined and returned to the original supplier. Further, the reviewsdistributed with the new song that were the most well received andinfluential can be determined and returned to the original supplier. Theoriginal supplier may then distribute payments or electronic coupons tothe distributors of the new song based on the purchases made byrecipients due to trackable responses to a review, quality of reviewratings, time to distribution, bulk quantity of users reached, and othercriteria.

In another example of the analysis of distribution cookies and responseto the analysis, statistics server 220 may monitor the number ofelectronic works that a recipient has rated. Recipients may be given anelectronic coupon or other incentive to rate a certain number of songs.For example, after the recipient of wirelessly broadcast song ratesforty songs, the recipient may be provided with a limited licensedsample of an electronic work that is anticipated to meet the preferencesof the recipient based on the prior ratings. Additionally, a playlist ofsong for that recipient may be specified by digital DJ server 204 anddistributed to players within broadcast range of the recipient or therecipient.

Referring now to FIG. 3, there is depicted a block diagram of a localwireless network broadcast in accordance with the method, system, andprogram of the present invention. As illustrated, of the client playersillustrated in FIG. 2, one of these players may be designated as aprimary player, such as primary player 300, for the local wirelessnetwork. Players may vie for the designation as primary player byoffering electronic works or one player may automatically be designatedas primary player. Further, after one player receives a wirelessbroadcast of an electronic work, the player may move to a new broadcastarea and become the primary player for that electronic work in the newbroadcast area. It is important to note that while a wireless network ofplayers is described, in an alternate embodiment, players may also beconnected via a cable or a wired network connection.

In one example, primary player 300 searches for secondary playersenabled to wirelessly communicate. Primary player 300 is enabled towirelessly communicate within a range designated by wireless broadcastarea 302. Once primary player 300 detects other players, such assecondary players 304 and 306, within wireless broadcast area 302,primary player 300 may establish a local wireless network. Within thelocal wireless network, primary player 300 may wirelessly stream theelectronic work being played on primary player 300 as a sampleelectronic work. Preferably, the DRM rules and context associated withthe streamed electronic work are also broadcast. Additionally, adistribution cookie is preferably streamed with the electronic work. Itis important to note that primary player 300 is depicted as a sender inthe example, however, in alternate embodiments, primary player 300 maybe a recipient when receiving a wireless broadcast of an electronicwork. In addition, it is important to note that secondary players 304and 306 are depicted as recipients in the example, however, in alternateembodiments, secondary players 304 and 306 may be a senders whenbroadcasting an electronic work.

An advantage to streaming the electronic work as it is playing onprimary player 300 is that synchronous play is possible on secondaryplayers 304 and 306. However, in addition to streaming an electronicwork as it plays, the entire sample electronic work may be wirelesslytransmitted as a data file from primary player 300 to secondary players304 and 306.

In an alternate example, primary player 300 is constantly broadcasting astream within wireless broadcast area 302 of the current electronic workplaying on primary player 300. When players, such as secondary players304 and 306 are within the wireless network area, then the broadcaststream is received at the secondary players. For example, primary player300 may be a stationary player that wirelessly broadcasts within a storeor other defined area to secondary players that enter the store or otherdefined area. In another example, primary player 300 may be a portableplayer that wirelessly broadcasts from its current location, thuscreating an ad-hoc local wireless network area as it moves.

The broadcast of an electronic work by primary player 300 may becontrolled by the DRM rules attached to the electronic work beingbroadcast. In particular, the DRM rules may specify preferences orlimitations for the reception and transmission ranges and thetransmission mediums. Preferably, wireless and cabled feedback systemsare included in primary player 300 and secondary players 304 and 306 tofacilitate range detection.

According to one advantage of the present invention, the DRM rules mayrequire a recipient of a broadcast to receive a distribution cookie withthe broadcast of the electronic work. The distribution cookie thentracks information about the distribution of the electronic work andresponses of recipients of the electronic work.

The context of an electronic work broadcast by primary player 300 mayalso be transmitted with the electronic work. The context of theelectronic work generally includes the history, reviews, anddistribution path of an electronic work. For example, for a musicalwork, the context may include, but is not limited to, a song title,artist name(s), genre, album name, album type, distributor name,distributor link, label name, label link, artist link, reviewer name,reviewer ratings, reviewer text, and the reviewer recommendation depth.DRM rules may control what portions of the context of an electronic workmay be broadcast.

Secondary players 304 and 306 receive the streamed electronic work andmay synchronously play back the electronic work. Additionally, secondaryplayers 304 and 306 may store a copy of the broadcast stream with theDRM rules for later playback. Once secondary players 304 and 306 moveout of broadcast area 302, such as the position of secondary player 308,then only the stored copy of the broadcast stream can be played back asallowed by the DRM rules.

Prior to broadcasting an electronic work, primary player 300 may querysecondary players 304 and 306 for user preferences. Primary player 300may then determine which electronic works stored on primary player 300should next be played based on the user preferences from secondaryplayers 304 and 306 and the user preferences for primary player 300.Alternatively, primary player 300 may transmit all the relevant userpreferences to a digital DJ via an Internet connection and requestrecommendations for the next broadcast from the current electronic worksaccessible from primary player 300 or any of the secondary players.Further, the digital DJ may recommend new electronic works and negotiatepayment with primary player 300 for the work from a licensed electronicwork distribution server.

Once a user listens to or views a streamed electronic work at secondaryplayer 304 or 306, the user preferably rates the electronic work. Arating may take multiple forms including, but not limited to, a thumbsup/down, a numeral rating, an alphanumeric rating, or other selectionfrom a rating system implemented by the players. Additionally, a usermay review the electronic work. Review comments and the identity of thereviewer may be added to the context of the electronic work andtransmitted among the other players and broadcast with the electronicwork. Advantageously, the user rating of an electronic work and the userrating of the review comments may also be updated in a distributioncookie associated with the electronic work.

If the secondary player, such as secondary player 304, is still withinbroadcast range of primary player 300 when the user rates the streamedelectronic work, then secondary player 304 preferably transmits therating of the broadcast electronic work to primary player 300. Primaryplayer 300 may then use the rating to dynamically adjust the nextselected electronic work for broadcast.

With reference now to FIG. 4, there is illustrated a block diagram of amusic player in accordance with the method, system, and program of thepresent invention. As illustrated, player 400 includes an example ofcomponents that may operate within an electronic device enabled toreceive, play, and store electronic works.

First, player 400 includes a wireless transceiver 402 enabled to sendand receive wireless communications. Wireless transceiver 402 mayimplement multiple types of wireless broadcast technology including, butnot limited to, Bluetooth, 802.11, and DECT.

Next, player 400 includes a playback controller 408 enabled tosynchronize playback of a data stream with the other players playing thesame data stream of an electronic work. As long as player 400 is withinthe broadcast range of the primary player, playback controller 408 mayenable playback of a current data stream of an electronic work orplayback of a previously stored sample electronic work received from theprimary player.

Playback controller 408 also preferably condenses and stores datastreams of electronic works in a sample works database 406. Sample worksdatabase 406 includes condensed files, in formats such as MP3, fromstreaming electronic works with DRM rules and context. When player 400is outside the broadcast range of the primary player, then the storedsample electronic works in sample works database 406 may be played back,but only according to DRM rules for each electronic work. Further,playback controller 408 may prohibit playback of any electronic worksample acquired without any licensing rights.

Playback controller 408 also controls playback of electronic worksdownloaded onto player 400 with a license for personal use andpotentially also for broadcast to other players. In particular,electronic works may be downloaded that include a license to transferthe electronic work file or broadcast the electronic work to otherplayers as a sample electronic work with DRM rules limiting playback ofthe sample work.

When electronic works are streamed from one player to another,electronic coupons may also be broadcast. Electronic coupons received atplayer 400 are stored in electronic coupon database 409. Electroniccoupons may include discounts, rebates, and other incentives for arecipient of a broadcast electronic work to purchase the electronic workor purchase additional licensing rights to the electronic work from alicensed electronic work distribution server. Electronic coupons may beincorporated in a distribution cookie or may be independent files.

Additionally, when electronic works are streamed from one player toanother, distribution cookies may also be broadcast. Further, whenlicensing rights to an electronic work are acquired, a distributioncookie may be attached to the electronic work. Distribution cookiesreceived at player 400 are preferably stored in distribution cookiedatabase 416. When player 400 detects a network connection with anetwork enabling access to a statistics server, then recently updateddistribution cookies in distribution cookie database 416 are preferablymade accessible to the statistics server and other specified networklocations.

A profile 404 stored on player 400 preferably records the electronicwork preferences for a user. Profile 404 may include, but is not limitedto, a listing of the current electronic works stored on player 400 andratings assigned by the user to each of the electronic works stored onplayer 400. Additionally, profile 404 may include, but is not limitedto, a listing of electronic works previously listened to or viewed bythe user and the rating assigned by the user to each. Further, profile404 may include, but is not limited to, a listing of styles of music,film, books, musicians, actors, years of recording, and other categoriesof preferences for a user. Moreover, profile 404 may include, but is notlimited to, a listing of types of music, film, artists, actors, songs,and years of recording that a user would like to listen to or view inthe future. Advantageously, a distribution cookie may be updated withthe information stored in profile 404 before the distribution cookie istransmitted to a statistics server.

Player 400 can transfer the data in profile 404 to other players withina local wireless network. Further, player 400 may receive profiles fromother players within a local wireless network. A matching controller 410within player 400 compares the profiles of other users within the localwireless network with the context of the electronic works available forbroadcast in licensed works database 412 and selects music for broadcastto the other players that best satisfies the preferences of all thelisteners. If the preferences of some users cannot be matched with thepreferences of other users, then matching controller 410 may alternateselections between those that will satisfy the preferences of a firstgroup of users and then those that will satisfy the preferences of asecond group of users. Alternatively, if a preference match cannot bemade to the current electronic works, then player 400 may seek toacquire new electronic works that will match preferences.

As an additional advantage, once other users listen to or view anelectronic work broadcast from player 400, ratings by the recipientusers may be transmitted back to player 400. Matching controller 410 maythen dynamically adjust the next electronic work to be broadcast fromplayer 400 based on the reported rating for the recently broadcastelectronic work.

Further, when a wirelessly broadcast work is received at player 400, auser is prompted to rate the electronic work. The rating is then storedin profile 404, updated in a distribution cookie, and transmitted to theplayer from which the electronic work was received. Thus, userpreferences dynamically change for each electronic work viewed orlistened to by a user.

A purchase controller 414 preferably initiates access via an Internet orother network connection to a licensed electronic work distributionserver to acquire additional licensing and to register stored samples ofelectronic works from broadcasts. A particular licensed electronic workdistribution server may be specified for purchases in the DRM rulestransferred with an electronic work.

In particular, for each rating entered by a user in response tolistening or viewing a work at player 400, purchase controller 414determines if there is a DRM rule for the electronic work specifyingwhen a user should be prompted to purchase an electronic work. If thereis a rule requiring prompting upon detection of a network connection,then purchase controller 414 triggers the prompting upon detection of anetwork connection to an electronic work license server or a licensedelectronic work distribution server. For example, a DRM rule may specifythat a user should be prompted to purchase an electronic work only ifthe user rates the work with a thumbs up. In this way, a distributor candistribute a work, but only prompt purchases from those who havereceived the work and given a favorable rating. Further, the DRM rulemay require that those who give a sample work a favorable rating berequired to purchase the additional licensing rights to the work forfurther playback.

Referring now to FIG. 5, there is depicted a block diagram of thewireless communication between a primary player broadcasting music andthe secondary player receiving music in accordance with the method,system, and program of the present invention. As illustrated, a primaryplayer 500 includes a matching unit 502 that selects song 5 from artist4 with DRM rules, context, and a distribution cookie, as depicted atreference numeral 504. When matching unit 502 selects an electronicwork, the context data for the electronic work and DRM rules are matchedwith a selection of user preferences from the user of the primary playerand the users of any accessible secondary players. Context data for anelectronic work may include, but is not limited to, song title, artistname(s), genre, album name, album types (e.g. original LP orcompilation), reviewer name, reviewer ratings, reviewer text, reviewerrecommendation depth. DRM rules may include, for example, whether theelectronic work is free or is ruled by a limited license.

In this embodiment, the musical work is streamed through wirelesstransceiver 506 and received at wireless transceiver 516 of secondaryplayer 510. Secondary player 510 includes a playback controller 518 thatsynchronizes playback of the music stream with primary player 500 andcontrols output of the stream through audio output device 520. The musicstream is also stored as sample music by music playback controller 518in an electronic work samples database 512. As illustrated at referencenumeral 514, the sample of song 5, artist 4 with DRM rules is stored inelectronic work samples database 512. Although not depicted, the contextis also stored in electronic work samples database 512 and thedistribution cookies are preferably stored in a distribution cookiedatabase. While the present invention is described where DRM rules andcontext are transmitted in a wireless broadcast of a work, in analternate embodiment, only the electronic work is transmitted in awireless broadcast of a work.

With reference now to FIG. 6, there is depicted a block diagram of asample musical work stored in a secondary player in accordance with themethod, system, and program of the present invention. As illustrated,the storage of an electronic work, here song 5 from artist 4, mayinclude work info 604, a music stream file 606, and a distributioncookie 614.

Work info 604 includes DRM rules 610 and context data 612. DRM rules 610preferably control play of the electronic work and output of the contextof the electronic work. Context data 612 preferably includes historicalcontext, distribution context, and review context for the electronicwork.

In the examples of DRM rules 610, playback of a song stored at a musicplayer may be allowed when the player is within a certain transmissionrange of the primary player. Proximity to the primary player may bemeasured by the signal strength detected from the primary player.

In another example of DRM rules 610, the song stored at a player may beplayed back, but only a certain number of seconds of the song or a lowerresolution or downcast in quality may be allowed. Further, in anotherexample, the entire song may be stored, but the digital rules mayrequire a decrypt key be accessed from a licensing database before thesong can be played. In particular, rather than storing the music stream,the music file may be transferred and stored where the decrypt key isrequired for later play. Further, DRM rules 610 may allow playback ofthe entire song

In addition to playback of the song, DRM rules 610 may restrict whatportions of context data 612 can be viewed where the context includes,but is not limited to, song title, album title, composer, writer,singer, producer, label, year of recording, genre, album type (e.g.original LP or compilation), reviewer name, reviewer ratings, reviewertext, reviewer recommendation depth. Additionally, DRM rules 610 mayrestrict what review comments the user can view about the song. Reviewcomments may be included in the streamed transmission from multiplemusic reviewers or from other users who have rated the song. DRM rules610 may require that the text or audio review play prior to, during, orafter the electronic work. Advantageously, each user receiving anelectronic work may update context data 612 with ratings and reviewcomments. Further, when a user specifies ratings and review comments toupdate context data 610, the user may further specify DRM rules for playor display of the rating and review comments.

Additionally, DRM rules 610 may restrict whether a song may bewirelessly broadcast to other players. In the example, wirelessbroadcast is allowed with the restrictions established by the other DRMrules. Additionally, DRM rules 610 require the recipient of the wirelessbroadcast to accept a distribution cookie before playback of thebroadcast electronic work is allowed.

Context data 612 also preferably identifies the manufacturer, producer,and distributor and provides contact information for making purchases.Additionally, the music playback controller preferably adds anidentifier for each recipient who receives a broadcast of an electronicwork to context data 612, such that the distribution flow of anelectronic work is tracked. Preferably, a music playback controllerwithin a music player restricts play of music or other electronic worksand display of context data on the player according to the DRM rules.

Distribution cookie 614, as described in Tables 1-4, preferably includesthe distribution history of electronic work 602 and recipient responsesto electronic work 602. With each wireless broadcast of electronic work602, the distribution history within distribution cookie 614 may beupdated. In addition to the information described in Table 1,distribution cookie 614 may include an electronic coupon specified bythe distributor and redeemable according to DRM rules 610.

In an alternate embodiment, the playback controller in a player mayrequire acquisition of DRM rules for a sample electronic work from alicensing server prior to playing the electronic work. Further, wheremusic and other electronic works are received without DRM rules, theplayback controller may automatically initiate requests for ratings,offers to purchase, and other promptings that might otherwise befiltered by DRM rules. Furthermore, where a distribution cookie is notreceived with an electronic work, the playback controller may create adistribution cookie based on the available distribution history andrecipient responses.

With reference now to FIG. 7, there is illustrated a block diagram ofthe components of a licensed electronic work distribution server inaccordance with the method, system, and program of the presentinvention. As illustrated, licensed electronic work distribution server206 includes a license controller 702. License controller 702 receivesrequests to acquire licenses for music. Further, license controller 702may receive requests to verify a music license from players receivingbroadcast electronic works. Preferably, a license database 704 storeslicenses for electronic works and a license registry database 706 storesuser identifiers for those who acquire music licenses. In particular, ifthe user meets the requirements of the license, such as paying a fee orregistering, then a license for the electronic work may be transferred.In an alternate embodiment, licensed electronic work distribution server206 controls licenses for all types of electronic works. As previouslydescribed, multiple types of licenses may be implemented withrestrictions on use. The actual restrictions are preferably defined byDRM rules. When a user purchases or registers an electronic work, theuser may be provided with a list of available types of licenses.Different costs may be associated with different types of licenses.Furthermore, it will be understood that in addition to the example typesof licenses available, other types of licensing agreements may beavailable and licensing agreements may be tailored for a particularuser.

A purchase controller 708 controls the purchase of licensed electronicworks. As previously described, license controller 702 controls a userpurchase of a license for an electronic work already stored on a player.Alternatively, the user may purchase an electronic work stored inelectronic work database 712 and specify the type of license preferredfor the work. Then, purchase controller 708 controls the purchase of theelectronic work and license and stores a record of the purchase inpurchase database 710.

Advantageously, a prospective purchaser of an electronic work may beoffered an incentive to purchase the electronic work. For example, theincentive may be in the form of an electronic coupon. An incentivecontroller 714 preferably applies incentives to electronic works andlicenses distributed by licensed electronic work distribution server206. Incentives may be added as a separate secure and authenticated fileor may be added in the distribution cookie or DRM rules file. Records ofdistributed incentives are stored in incentive database 716. Further,incentive controller 714 preferably controls redemption of incentivesreceived from purchasers.

Incentives may include conditions for redemption and may adjust in valuedepending on recipient responses to an electronic work. Thus, to redeeman incentive, a distribution cookie may be used to monitor thedistribution history of the electronic work and responses to theelectronic work by recipients. For example, a user may receive anincentive of a rebate on the purchase of the electronic work for everypurchase of the electronic work by a recipient of a wireless broadcastof the electronic work from the user. In another example, each recipientof an electronic work may receive a discount on purchase of theelectronic work in response to rating the electronic work or writing areview comment about the electronic work.

A distribution cookie controller 720 preferably attaches a distributioncookie to each transaction with licensed electronic work distributionserver 206. The distribution cookie may include distributor information,purchase identification, purchaser identification, and other relevantinformation describing the initial purchase of an electronic work.Further, a distribution cookie may specify who may access thedistribution cookie. In an example of an advantage of the presentinvention, an independent band may distribute electronic works from aweb site dedicated to that band where the distribution cookies attachedto the distributed electronic works are only accessible by the band'sserver.

Referring now to FIG. 8, there is depicted a block diagram of astatistics server in accordance with the method, system, and program ofthe present invention. First, distribution cookies accessed bystatistics server 220 are stored in a distribution cookie database 804.An analysis controller 802 analyzes distribution cookies in distributioncookie database 804 to organize data for use in multiple ways including,but not limited to, determining distribution rates, assigning hotdistribution ratings, tracking the original purchaser of a broadcastelectronic work purchased by a recipient, determining ratings forelectronic works, and determining ratings for reviewers of electronicworks. Examples of analyzed distribution cookies are illustrated inTables 2-4. The organized data is preferably stored in distributionstatistics database 806.

A statistic recipient database 810 preferably organizes the intendedrecipients of distribution cookie information according to the type ofinformation to be distributed. Businesses, for example, may subscribe asa recipient of distribution cookie information. Statistics distributioncontroller 808 compares entries in distribution cookie database 804 anddistribution statistics database 806 with the distribution preferencesof recipients in statistic recipient database 810 and controlsdistribution of information from databases 804 and 806 to intendedrecipients.

According to one advantage of statistics server 220, where multipleusers respond to a particular electronic work with positive ratings orpurchases, then ad-hoc networks of users can communicate preferences forelectronic works and force a firestorm of activity surrounding aparticular electronic work. Advantageously, such a firestorm of activitycan then be used by a distributor or promoter to better target promotionof an electronic work and the artist(s) of an electronic work.

With reference now to FIGS. 9A-9D, there are depicted illustrativerepresentations of display choices presented to a user of a playerenabled to receive, store, and broadcast electronic works in accordancewith the method, system, and program of the present invention. Asillustrated in FIG. 9A, responsive to a player detecting a wirelessbroadcast, the user is prompted to authorize reception of a distributioncookie before playback of the electronic work will be allowed. While inthe example the user is prompted to receive a distribution cookie, in analternate embodiment, the user may set a preference to always receivedistribution cookies or to receive distribution cookies for particulartypes of electronic works, to receive distribution cookies fromparticular broadcasters, and other specifications.

As illustrated in FIG. 9B, the user is prompted to rate the electronicwork. The user may also be prompted to rate overall the selection ofworks received from a particular primary player. Further, the user maybe prompted to rate particular characteristics of a work and to writecomments about a particular work or group of works. The prompting may bedisplayed while a user is listening to a synchronous playback of acurrent broadcast or when the user is listening to playback of a storedsample from a broadcast. The rating scale presented to the user may bespecified by the DRM rules, specified by the user, or arbitrarilyselected.

As depicted in FIG. 9C, the user is prompted to select whether toreceive purchase options for the electronic work received from awireless broadcast. In particular, when a secondary player receives awireless broadcast of an electronic work, the purchasing information forthat electronic work is preferably transferred to and stored at thesecondary player. A user may be automatically prompted to select whetherto initiate a purchase of a licensed copy of a broadcast electronic workas depicted. Alternatively, a user may be prompted to only selectwhether to initiate a purchase of those broadcast electronic works whichthe user rates favorably.

As illustrated in FIG. 9D, the user may alternatively be prompted toselect whether to redeem an electronic coupon to purchase the electronicwork. If a user selects to redeem an electronic coupon to purchase theelectronic work, then a purchase is preferably initiated with a licensedelectronic work distribution server when the server is accessible via anetwork.

Referring now to FIG. 10, there is depicted an illustrative diagram ofthe distribution of an electronic work in accordance with the method,system, and program of the present invention. As illustrated, a licensedelectronic work distribution server 206 distributes electronic works vianetwork 1001 with distribution cookies for tracking the paths ofdistribution. A path of distribution may be viewed as a tree with manybranches where each recipient of the electronic work is considered anode. In the example, distribution server 206 distributes an electronicwork to player 1004. This is the first level of distribution asindicated by (1). Player 1004 then wirelessly broadcasts the electronicwork to secondary players 1006 a-1006 n. This is the second level ofdistribution as indicated by (1)(2a) and (1)(2n). Each of the playersreceiving the wireless broadcast preferably update a distribution cookiereceived with the broadcast to indicate the distribution path. Secondaryplayer 1006 a then wirelessly broadcasts the electronic work tosecondary players 1008 a-1008 n. This is the third level of distributionas indicated by (1)(2a)(3a) and (1)(2a)(3n). When secondary player 1008n connects to network 1012, the distribution cookie updated at secondaryplayer 1008 n is accessed by statistics server 220. In particular, thedistribution cookie updated at secondary player 1008 n preferablyindicates the path of (1)(2a)(3n). Advantageously, a distribution rate,review ratings, and other information can be gathered from thedistribution cookie updated along the path.

With reference now to FIG. 11, there is illustrated a high level logicflowchart of a process and program for controlling a wireless broadcastof an electronic work from a primary player in accordance with themethod, system, and program of the present invention. As depicted, theprocess starts at block 1100 and thereafter proceeds to block 1102.Block 1102 depicts a determination whether other devices within theDRM-allowed broadcast range are detected. In particular, a DRM rule forbroadcast of a particular electronic work preferably specifies theconnection types, broadcast ranges, and other broadcast limitations andpreferences. If other devices are not detected, then the processiterates at block 1102. If other devices are detected, then the processpasses to block 1104.

Block 1104 depicts a determination whether the setting to selectelectronic works based on others' preferences is selected. The DRM rulesmay require a selection of electronic works based on preferences.Alternatively, a user at a primary player may require a selection ofelectronic works based on preferences. If the selection based onpreferences is not required, then the process passes to block 1114.Block 1114 depicts selecting a default electronic work to broadcast.Alternatively, at block 1104, if the selection based on preferences isrequired, then the process passes to block 1106. Block 1106 illustratestransmitting a request for preferences to the other wireless devices andthe process passes to block 1108. In particular, the request forpreferences may specify which categories of preferences are requestedbased on DRM rules or a user specification. For example, the request forpreferences may specify the category of musician preferences and musicalstyle preferences.

Block 1108 depicts a determination whether preferences from otherwireless devices within broadcast range are received. If no preferencesare received, then the process passes to block 1114. If preferences arereceived, then the process passes to block 1110. Block 1110 depictsselecting the next electronic work to broadcast based on all thereceived preferences. In particular, the process may also require thatthe electronic work include DRM rules that allow for wirelessbroadcasting. Further, the primary player may offload the electronicwork selection process to a digital DJ located in another electronicdevice accessible via a network. Moreover, the playback controller mayfurther filter the sets of preferences received to only select the nextelectronic work for broadcast based on a selection of the preferencesreceived from secondary players, such as musician preferences. Next,block 1012 depicts broadcasting the sample electronic work with DRMrules requiring a recipient to receive a distribution cookie forplayback of the electronic work, and the process ends.

Referring now to FIG. 12, there is illustrated a high level logicflowchart of a process and program for controlling receipt of abroadcast electronic work at a secondary player in accordance with themethod, system, and program of the present invention. As illustrated,the process starts at block 1200 and thereafter proceeds to block 1202.Block 1202 illustrates a determination of whether a broadcastingwireless device is detected. If a broadcasting wireless device is notdetected, then the process iterates at block 1202. If a broadcastingwireless device is detected, then the process passes to block 1204.Block 1204 illustrates a determination whether a request for preferencesis received. If a request for preferences is received, then the processpasses to block 1206. If a request for preferences is not received, thenthe process passes to block 1212.

If the process passes to block 1206, a request is presented for the userto authorize sending preferences. Next, block 1208 depicts adetermination whether the user authorizes sending preferences. If theuser does not authorize sending preferences, then the process passes toblock 1212. If the user does authorize sending preferences, then theprocess passes to block 1210. Block 1210 illustrates sending preferencesfor all applicable users of the player, and the process passes to block1212. User preferences may be set by the device owner, the current user,or a group of users.

Block 1212 illustrates a determination whether DRM rules for thebroadcast electronic work require accepting a distribution cookie. Ifthe rules do not require accepting a distribution cookie, then theprocess passes to block 1220. If the rules do require accepting adistribution cookie, then the process passes to block 1214. Block 1214depicts a determination whether the user accepts the cookie. The usermay set a preference that automatically accepts or rejects thedistribution cookie. Alternatively, the user may set a preference to beprompted to accept or reject the distribution cookie. If the user doesnot accept the distribution cookie, then the process passes to block1216. Block 1216 illustrates blocking playback of the electronic workaccording to DRM rules when no cookie is accepted, and the process ends.Alternatively, if the user does accept the cookie, then the processpasses to block 1218. Block 1218 depicts updating the distributioncookie with new distribution information for the secondary player andusers of the secondary player. Next, block 1220 illustrating controllingplayback of the electronic work according to DRM rules, and the processends.

With reference now to FIG. 13, there is depicted a high level logicflowchart of a process and program for updating and transmitting adistribution cookie in accordance with the method, system, and programof the present invention. As illustrated, the process starts at block1300 and thereafter proceeds to block 1301. Block 1301 depictsmonitoring the conditions affecting distribution cookies, and theprocess passes to block 1302. While each of the decision processesfollowing are depicted in processing, each one may be separatelymonitored and triggered. The decision processes are only intended toillustrate the types of conditions that may be monitored that wouldaffect distribution cookies stored on a player.

Block 1302 depicts a determination whether the user has selected topurchase the electronic work. If the user does not select to purchase anelectronic work, then the process passes to block 1306. If the user doesselect to purchase an electronic work, then the process passes to block1304. Block 1304 depicts updating the distribution cookie for thepurchased electronic work with the purchase information, and the processpasses to block 1306.

Block 1306 depicts a determination whether the user selects to rate theelectronic work or a review of the electronic work. If the user does notselect to rate, then the process passes to block 1310. If the userselects to rate, then the process passes to block 1308. Block 1308illustrates updating the distribution cookie for the rated electronicwork with the rating information, and the process passes to block 1310.

Block 1310 depicts a determination whether the player is connected to anetwork through which a statistics server is accessible. If the playeris not connected, then the process passes to block 1314. If the playeris connected, then the process passes to block 1312. Block 1312illustrates contacting the statistics server with the distributioncookie, and the process passes to block 1314. In particular, adistribution cookie may designate a particular statistics server tocontact or the DRM rules may designate which statistics servers tocontact.

Block 1314 depicts a determination whether the user is wirelesslybroadcasting the electronic work. If the user is not wirelesslybroadcasting the electronic work, then the process ends. If the user iswirelessly broadcasting the electronic work, then the process passes toblock 1316. Block 1316 illustrates updating the distribution cookie forthe broadcast electronic work with the broadcast information, and theprocess ends.

Referring now to FIG. 14, there is depicted a high level logic flowchartof a process and program for controlling a statistics server inaccordance with the method, system, and program of the presentinvention. As illustrated, the process starts at block 1400 andthereafter proceeds to block 1402. Block 1402 depicts a determinationwhether a new distribution cookie has been accessed. If a newdistribution cookie has not been accessed, then the process iterates atblock 1402. If a new distribution cookie has been accessed, then theprocess passes to block 1404. Block 1404 illustrates storing thedistribution cookie in a database. Next, block 1406 depicts analyzingthe distribution cookie for a distribution rate, purchase history,rating history, and other settings. Thereafter, block 1408 depictsdistributing the analysis and distribution cookie to subscribers, andthe process ends.

While the invention has been particularly shown and described withreference to a preferred embodiment, it will be understood by thoseskilled in the art that various changes in form and detail may be madetherein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

1. A method for tracking distribution of an electronic work, comprising:detecting a localized broadcast of an electronic work from a firstplayer to a second player; accepting a distribution cookie from saidfirst player at said second player with said broadcast of saidelectronic work; updating said distribution cookie with trackinginformation about said broadcast of said electronic work to said secondplayer; updating said distribution cookie with a plurality of electronicwork ratings of a plurality of electronic works by a recipient at saidsecond player; and responsive to detecting a network connection,providing said distribution cookie to a tracking server, such thatlocalized broadcast distribution of said electronic work is trackedthrough gathering and analyzing said distribution cookie at saidtracking server.
 2. The method according to claim 1 for trackingdistribution of an electronic work, wherein detecting a localizedbroadcast of an electronic work further comprises: detecting a wirelessbroadcast of said electronic work from a first player to a secondplayer, wherein at least one from said first player and second player isa portable electronic device.
 3. The method according to claim 1 fortracking distribution of an electronic work, wherein accepting adistribution cookie further comprises: allowing playback of saidelectronic work at said second player only if a recipient at said secondplayer accepts said distribution cookie.
 4. The method according toclaim 1 for tracking distribution of an electronic work, furthercomprising: receiving said distribution cookie at said first player froma distribution server, wherein said distribution cookie identifies atleast one from among said distribution server, a purchaseridentification, a purchase identification, a time of purchase, alocation of purchase, an incentive for distribution of said electronicwork, and an incentive for purchase of said electronic work.
 5. Themethod according to claim 1 for tracking distribution of an electronicwork, further comprising: broadcasting said electronic work with saiddistribution cookie from said second player to a next player; andupdating said distribution cookie with information about said broadcastof said electronic work to said next player.
 6. The method according toclaim 1 for tracking distribution of an electronic work, furthercomprising: only providing said distribution cookie to said trackingserver if a digital rights rule enables access by said tracking serverto said distribution cookie.
 7. The method according to claim 1 fortracking distribution of an electronic work, further comprising:triggering a communication with said tracking server from a linkspecified in said distribution cookie.
 8. A method for trackingdistribution of an electronic work, comprising: detecting a localizedbroadcast of an electronic work from a first player to a second player;accepting a distribution cookie from said first player at said secondplayer with said broadcast of said electronic work; updating saiddistribution cookie with tracking information about said broadcast ofsaid electronic work to said second player; and responsive to detectinga network connection, providing said distribution cookie to a trackingserver, wherein said tracking server is enabled to gather and analyzesaid distribution cookie to determine at least one from among a rate ofdistribution of said electronic work, a marketing area in which saidelectronic work is favorably received, a purchase rate and history ofsaid electronic work, a current rating response to said electronic work,and a current rating response to at least one comment about saidelectronic work, such that localized broadcast distribution of saidelectronic work is tracked through gathering and analyzing saiddistribution cookie at said tracking server.
 9. A system for trackingdistribution of an electronic work, comprising: a second playerdetecting a first player locally broadcasting an electronic work; saidsecond player operative to accept a distribution cookie from said firstplayer at said second player with said broadcast of said electronicwork; said second player operative to update said distribution cookiewith tracking information about said broadcast of said electronic workto said second player; said second player operative to update saiddistribution cookie with a plurality of electronic work ratings of aplurality of electronic works by a recipient at said second player; andsaid second player, responsive to detecting a network connection,operative to provide said distribution cookie to a tracking serverenabled to analyze said distribution cookie.
 10. The system according toclaim 9 for tracking distribution of an electronic work, wherein saidfirst player wirelessly broadcasts said electronic work.
 11. The systemaccording to claim 9 for tracking distribution of an electronic work,further comprising: a distribution server operative to distribute saidelectronic work an said distribution cookie to said first player,wherein said distribution cookie identifies at least one from among saiddistribution server, a purchaser identification, a purchaseidentification, a time of purchase, a location of purchase, an incentivefor distribution of said electronic work, and an incentive for purchaseof said electronic work.
 12. The system according to claim 9 fortracking distribution of an electronic work, further comprising: saidsecond player operative to broadcast said electronic work with saiddistribution cookie from said second player to a next player; and saidsecond player operative to update said distribution cookie withinformation about said broadcast of said electronic work to said nextplayer.
 13. The system according to claim 9 for tracking distribution ofan electronic work, further comprising: said second player operative toonly provide said distribution cookie to said tracking server if adigital rights rule enables access by said tracking server to saiddistribution cookie.
 14. The system according to claim 9 for trackingdistribution of an electronic work, further comprising: said secondplayer operative to trigger a communication with said tracking serverfrom a link specified in said distribution cookie.
 15. A system fortracking distribution of an electronic work, comprising: a second playerdetecting a first player locally broadcasting an electronic work; saidsecond player operative to accept a distribution cookie from said firstplayer at said second player with said broadcast of said electronicwork; said second player operative to update said distribution cookiewith tracking information about said broadcast of said electronic workto said second player; and said second player, responsive to detecting anetwork connection, operative to provide said distribution cookie to atracking server enabled to analyze said distribution cookie to determineat least one from among a rate of distribution of said electronic work,a marketing area in which said electronic work is favorably received, apurchase rate and history of said electronic work, a current ratingresponse to said electronic work, and a current rating response to atleast one comment about said electronic work.
 16. A computer programproduct for tracking distribution of an electronic work, comprising: atangible computer readable storage device; first program instructions todetect a localized broadcast of an electronic work from a first playerto a second player; second program instructions to accept a distributioncookie from said first player at said second player with said broadcastof said electronic work; third program instructions to update saiddistribution cookie with tracking information about said broadcast ofsaid electronic work to said second player; fourth program instructionsto update said distribution cookie with a plurality of electronic workratings of a plurality of electronic works by a recipient at said secondplayer; and fifth program instructions to provide said distributioncookie to a tracking server, responsive to detecting a networkconnection; wherein the first, second, third, fourth, and fifth programinstruction are stored on the computer readable storage media.
 17. Acomputer program product for tracking distribution of an electronicwork, comprising: a tangible computer readable storage device; firstprogram instructions to detect a localized broadcast of an electronicwork from a first player to a second player; second program instructionsto accept a distribution cookie from said first player at said secondplayer with said broadcast of said electronic work; third programinstructions to update said distribution cookie with trackinginformation about said broadcast of said electronic work to said secondplayer; and fourth program instructions to provide said distributioncookie to a tracking server, responsive to detecting a networkconnection, wherein said tracking server is enabled to gather andanalyze said distribution cookie to determine at least one from among arate of distribution of said electronic work, a marketing area in whichsaid electronic work is favorably received, a purchase rate and historyof said electronic work, a current rating response to said electronicwork, and a current rating response to at least one comment about saidelectronic work; wherein the first, second, third, and fourth programinstruction are stored on the computer readable storage media.